The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with civil society organisations, have intensified efforts to curb the spread of hate speech and fake news, warning that misinformation poses a growing threat to peace, national cohesion and democratic stability across the country.
The campaign was flagged off in Kano at a Youth Peace Summit organised by the Police in partnership with the Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) and the Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation, with the theme “Promoting Peace by Combating Hate Speech and Fake News.”
According to Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, the initiative aligns with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to develop proactive strategies to address social biases, misinformation and emerging security threats nationwide.
CP Bakori noted that hate speech and fake news, particularly on social media and broadcast platforms, have become major drivers of tension, capable of igniting violence, undermining democratic values and slowing socio-economic development, not only in Kano but across Nigeria.
“The media space is currently awash with hate speech and fake news, which pose a serious threat to our peaceful coexistence. These dangers are not unique to Kano; they are national challenges that require collective responsibility,” he said.
Warning Violators
The Police Commissioner warned that individuals who deliberately spread hate speech or false information would face the full weight of the law, stressing that the Command would not allow a few actors to destabilise the peace of the state or the country.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, CP Bakori urged journalists, social media influencers, community leaders and political stakeholders to work with security agencies to promote factual reporting, responsible communication and national unity.
“As we move into another pre-election period, we must exercise caution in our words and actions. Peace is the foundation of democracy, development and investment,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the AMG Foundation, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, said the summit was timely, noting that pre-election years in Nigeria are often characterised by heightened tension, misinformation and divisive narratives, with young people frequently used as tools for spreading fake news.
Dr. Garba pledged that the AMG Foundation, in collaboration with YOSPIS and the Police, would intensify engagements over the next 12 months, including training spokespersons of political parties, establishing youth peace champions, and supporting improved communication and intelligence-sharing mechanisms among security agencies.
“We have seen this before, especially ahead of elections. History is repeating itself, and we must act early. Our commitment is to ensure Kano remains safe and to contribute to national peace by combating hate speech and fake news,” he said.
The Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Community Policing, Ambassador Maimuna Umar, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to security and community-based policing, describing peace and safety as a shared national responsibility.
She commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting security agencies and promoting positive engagement on social media, adding that effective security requires synergy among government, security agencies, youth, women and civil society.
Executive Director of YOSPIS, Zainab Ahmad, described fake news and hate speech as serious threats to public order and national security, warning that when misinformation and hate narratives combine, they erode trust and fuel conflict.
She called on media professionals, broadcasters and digital content creators to uphold ethical standards, verify information and avoid sensationalism, stressing that freedom of expression must go hand in hand with accountability.
“Combating fake news is not about silencing criticism; it is about protecting society from harm. Expression without verification is not courage; it is carelessness,” she said.
Participants at the summit resolved to strengthen collaboration between security agencies, NGOs, the media and young people to promote peace, tolerance and responsible information sharing, as part of broader efforts to safeguard stability in Kano and contribute to national unity ahead of future elections.